Once parents have registered, they will be able to buy the equipment on a cost price basis from either of the outlets.

NHS spending on childhood injuries currently runs as high as £200m a year.

Safety Begins At Home is supported by North Glamorgan NHS trust and the Merthyr Tydfil Local Public Health Team and is funded by Sure Start and the Local Health Alliance.

Leighton Rees, head of Children and Partnership at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, says most accidents can be prevented.

'The leading cause of death for children aged 0-14 is accidental injury.

'Every year throughout the UK thousands are permanently disfigured and the most at risk from accidents within the home are with children aged 0-4 years.

'The best way of preventing injuries of course is to keep a close eye on the child and although safety equipment may prevent injuries it is important to ensure that families are also educated on safety issues as safety equipment alone may not be enough.'

Each parent will receive a free leaflet with vital safety information explained with each purchase.

For more information call the Sure Start team on 01685 727401, Rachel Roberts at Bedlinog Resource Centre, Bedlinog on 01443 710821 or the 3G's Development Trust, Gurnos on 01685 350888 or 352980.